Musings from My Minivan

Tag and I'm Back

2009-01-30T17:17:00.000-08:00

Well, hello there. Didn't expect you to still be there. Hm. Nice to see ya.

It seems there's a bit of 'blog tag' going on that I have fallen into and must now participate of suffer the consequences...whatever they may be. The rules are as follows:

1. Go to the 6th picture folder and pick the 6th picture.
2. Post and wax nostalgic about said picture.
3. Tag some peeps.

So, here goes....

Here stands the family...in the year 2000. Wow. This is before we took on the family size that makes people gasp. Bryanna was 6, Britty was 4 and Ben was almost 1. This was taken in our front yard on Easter morning. Don't we all look snazzily dressed and such....well, Jeff by his own standards, anyway. I especially *heart* that our 1988 Toyota van is in the background. What a beauty...the high schoolers where my husband teaches referred to her lovingly as "The Space Shuttle". She was the most reliable vehicle we have ever owned and had the supernatural ability to heal herself while parked overnight of all kinds of ailments...like squeaky brakes, or rattles, or shakes. The funnest part was watching shows like "The Amazing Race" and seeing her siblings all over third world countries. When we finally had to let her go, she had close to 200,000 miles on her cute little self and only one door was fully functional. We were going to keep her around long enough for Bry to use as her "cool" first car, but didn't have anywhere to store her. Poor Bry.

Here are the people I will now inflict with the tag:

Becky
pFamilyGal
Patience

How To Accessorize

2008-10-06T13:42:00.000-07:00

I was in need of a hutch to store all my craft supplies. You know. The ones I never get to use because I'm much too busy and just the thought of pulling it all out makes my toddlers twitch with excitement at the possibility of getting into it all while I'm not looking. So, I checked Craig's List...the next best thing to Ebay and found one that would work. And just look at the cute little accessory that came with it! Jealous are ya?

The Most Wonderful Place on Earth

2008-09-30T14:06:00.000-07:00

I was able to meet up with some high school friends at what must be one of the most wonderful places on earth: The Smith Memorial Playground. I have lived within 15 miles of this place and did not even know it existed! How can this be? Do you see all the fun to be had here?

There was so much more....but I was too busy playing to take pictures. The Playground is most famous for its two story high wooden slide that was first built in 1905. When my mom was a little girl growing up in Philly she came to this park and rode the same slide! No! Not in 1905! Sheesh people! Be nice!

Last Fling of Summer

2008-09-03T07:40:00.000-07:00

Nutrition 101

2008-08-29T10:10:00.001-07:00

Jessica: After I'm done my cookie, can I have dessert?

The Olympics according to Jessica

2008-08-25T11:46:00.000-07:00

So, our family was all sitting together watching the Closing Ceremony. The part came where all the athletes were all walking into the 'Bird's Nest' and mugging for the cameras. Jessica sat and stared as they all gave the obligatory peace sign and smiled. After awhile she looked at me and said, "Mom, why do they all like the number two so much?".

On a commercial I asked all the kids what their favorite sports were to watch these past two weeks. I got the answers I thought I would...

Bry: swimming
Britt: gymnastics
Ben: I forget
Jessica: Hide and Seek, Playing Tag and Playing Princess

Bon Appetit!

2008-08-13T11:09:00.001-07:00

It takes years to train a palate. It's important to expose your child to many differing tastes and textures. My friend Becky has done this. When her girls were toddlers they would eat things like roast duck and brussel sprouts. My Jessica......not so much:
Disclaimer: No I did not let her eat this.

In and Out

2008-07-29T06:56:00.000-07:00

If you enjoy eating,

then it's important to keep in mind the formula of calories taken in versus calories burned in order to maintain your physique. Just ask Jacky....

Heights

2008-07-24T17:54:00.000-07:00

Remember a little bit ago we were at the campground? Well, it wasn't all bad. In fact, they had a super fantastico water slide that the big kids LOVED. You remember....where the lifeguard chain smoked while watching my children? Here they are at the top of the staircase waiting their turn--see them waving at me?Here's a better view of what that staircase was like. Um, yea. I don't do heights. But, in the spirit of motherhood and family fun, I tried it. I was pretty sure when the kids came running up behind me grabbing my arm excitedly to tell me about their last ride I was going to plummet to my death by falling between the cracks of the staircase. What? It could happen!And here are their cute little faces when they reached the bottom. And miraculously, no one plummeted.

They also had a cedar lake. My husband, who is from NY, was all "Wha? Why is the water brown?" Apparently, he didn't grow up swimming in cedar lakes like me and was a bit put off...well, I can't really blame him. I didn't even go in. The kids loved it though. Here's a little video of all the big kids racing Dad into the water. They had a blast.

The End. Again.

2008-07-20T17:22:00.000-07:00

I found some more pictures on my camera that I forgot to post...you know, proud Mom and all that.

Britton: Breaststroke

Britton: Butterfly

Ben: Breaststroke

The End

2008-07-19T09:53:00.000-07:00

Today was the last swim meet of the season for my little swimmers. They did a great job and both girls have qualified for Championships. Here are some fun videos of youngest to oldest (Ben, Britton, Bryanna) doing Butterfly.

Ben freestyle:

Britton backstroke and fly:Bryanna free:

Three For Sunday

2008-07-13T18:36:00.000-07:00

I know. I know. It's supposed to be "Five for Friday". Well, life gets busy and this will be more fun. I promise.

So, the husband and I took the big kids to a campground this weekend in South Jersey (Yes, there is a need to differentiate). Let's just say it was a bit, how shall I say this delicately....hick. Here's how I knew:

1. It seemed people had enough money for tattoos, but not teeth.

2. The lifeguard on duty spent most of his time chain smoking...I'm pretty sure that would have been frowned upon by the American Red Cross who gave him his certification.

3. Last, but by no means the least, there was a wedding at this campground...at the banguet hall. We then saw the bride and groom proceed back to their Winnebago with a "Just Married" sign hanging out front. Even the family dog celebrated with a glow in the dark blinking collar.

Because

2008-07-11T12:18:00.001-07:00

It's Friday. And Jessica and I are happy about it.

Overheard

2008-07-06T14:55:00.000-07:00

In the back seat of the minivan where two toddlers sat:

Jessica: Stop yelling at me, Jacky!

Jack: Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!

Jessica: Mom, he's yelling at my heart and now its broken.
(Jessica was channeling a little Olivia Newton John by the way.)

Fourth of July

2008-07-06T09:51:00.000-07:00

We had a great Fourth. Here are some shots of the kids at the parade.

And of a little someone enjoying his slice of Fourth of July blueberry cake....

Family Vacation: The Surf

2008-07-04T15:53:00.000-07:00

While on vacation last week (has it been a week? Sniff. Sniff.), my two oldest girls had the amazing opportunity to attend Hakilua Sur f Camp, a ministry of my parent's church (Nags Head Church). Both girls were able to spend three solid hours with one on one instruction and had the best time. And, they both got up to a stand and rode a wave! How cool is that???

Family Vacation: The Beach

2008-07-03T04:01:00.000-07:00

There are those among us who enjoy the beach, who can play for hours and explore and jump waves and be happy.

There are also those among us who come to dread the beach. The sand! The sand! Dread to the point dropping to the floor in pain and agony when they see their rash guard coming towards their blonde head. But, their Mom still makes them go.

*Some photos courtesy of Nate Lawrenson*

Sneak Peek

2008-06-30T10:06:00.000-07:00

Wow. Just wow. We had an amazing family vacation in the Outer Banks to celebrate my parent's 40th wedding anniversary. I have a ton of pictures to download and edit, but for now, here's a little sneak peek at our fun:

To Hair or not to Hair

2008-06-24T08:00:00.000-07:00

My eldest daughter feels neglected. She thinks I don't blog about her enough. As mentioned before, I told her this is a good thing. She doesn't shove M&M's up her nose or rub her hands in her hair while eating ribs, so what's there to blog about? Well, her hair of course!

So, a poll. Which do you like better?

naturally curly:

straightened:

Her father, who passed on the curly hair, votes natural. Duh. I also vote natural, but for selfish reasons that include a half hour of my life being gained back from not having to be the straightener. Hmmm, what to do with that extra half hour? I could hit the spa for a massage! I could meet friends for coffee! I could go para sailing! Or, I know. I could read Sarah Boynton books to little people. Yea, I'll do that last one.

That's what friends are for...

2008-06-18T15:39:00.001-07:00

We were driving on our way to a practice of some sort and passed a house that had one of these...all set up and ready to go.
Jessica: Mommy! Can we play there?
Me: Nope, honey. We don't know them.
Jessica: Yes we do!
Me: Oh, we do? What's their name?
Jessica: My Friend.

Musings

2008-06-17T18:11:00.000-07:00

I was in the kitchen. Jess was in the next room working with Playdoh. She wanted me to bring her a plastic knife to work with and so yelled:

"I need a life!"

Mommy's Little Carnivore

2008-06-16T16:37:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day!

2008-06-15T17:00:00.001-07:00

I don't think I've ever met anyone else in my life who is more selfless than my dad. When I see men who must have their "toys" and golf days and boats and 'guy time'...it is so foreign. My dad had none of these. My dad's job is one of hard physical labor repairing over head cranes. Last year for the first time, I saw one of these cranes close up and personal. What? You climb on those? You walk around up there? I had no idea how daunting they looked up close. My point? My dad had a physically and mentally stressful job and yet came home expecting nothing like golf days or time to read the paper or time to play the latest video games. He just dove right into whatever we were doing...serving up dinner, changing diapers, getting bathes and pj's done, playing softball catch out back, folding laundry, rocking a fussy baby...all in his work boots. He showed all his children, humbly, without even knowing it what a servant leader looks like. My husband and I have a running joke when he won't drop everything to do my bidding...."I'm not your father." he says. It is true that my dad had been known to run to the store just so we could have sprinkles for our ice cream cones when we ran out, but much more than that. He put his family first and their needs and wants before his own. He still does. He is spending this Father's Day alone because his daughter's well being and support is more important than his special day. That's just like my dad. Happy Father's Day, Dad! We love you!

To the Father of my children:
You are strong.
You are consistent.
You are loving.
You are fiercely loyal.
You are patient beyond measure.
You are a leader.
I love you.

A Request:

2008-06-10T16:36:00.000-07:00

For those of you who don't know, my sister Tricia ,who received a double lung transplant a few months ago, is headed back to the hospital for a Pet Scan and a biopsy due to a growth on her lung. She and her husband Nathan attend Nags Head Church in NC and their Pastor (Nate's dad) has issued this request on Nate's blog:

I'm pirating Nathan's blog for a short request since his readership is way more than mine.

A great suggestion was made to his last post about dedicating the hours of 7-10AM EDST tomorrow, Wednesday, June 11 to pray specifically for Tricia's tests and her health. I've asked my church to join in and now am asking you to be a part of a huge breath of prayer ascending to the throne of God on her behalf.

If you can and will find a quiet time during those three hours, please do so. I'm seeing to it that our church will be open for those who want to come here and pray as well, although your location isn't important.

Thanks for all the support you have given thus far. Their journey isn't over and you're needed again.

Rick Lawrenson

It sure is HOT here!

2008-06-09T17:40:00.000-07:00

Five for Friday

2008-06-06T06:05:00.001-07:00

Hi. Remember me? I used to have a blog here. I used to actually post on this blog pretty close to daily. Hmm. Life gets busy.

Things that make me go "hmmmm...":

1. Polly Pocket's obsession with shoes. Why must she have so many? My vacuum does not enjoy them.
2. Pretending laundry doesn't exist does not in fact make it go away.

3. I'm sure there will come a time when it will make me sad that I no longer find matchboxes in my couch. Now is not that time.

4. I think it is equal parts cute and annoying that my 20 month old attacks the vacuum every time I use it.

5. This is my new favorite obsession:

Oh, I'm sorry. Did I drink most of it before I took the picture? It couldn't be helped.

Sharing...

2008-05-28T04:51:00.000-07:00

When you are a part of a big family sharing is a necessity. Around here our kids are expected to share...

toys
clothes
bunkbeds
space
books
germs!!!

But...I never thought I would see this one:

And now me....

2008-05-27T06:12:00.000-07:00

I'm moving to comment moderation. You won't see your comment right away, I have to approve it first and then it will go up. Why? Because frankly, mean people suck.

Benny!

2008-05-24T17:56:00.000-07:00

Today my middle son turned nine. We had a great family day of playing outside and after dinner had a big whiffle ball game with the neighbors. Time flies...I can remember the afternoon Ben was born. We were so excited to add someone to the family that didn't wear PINK! Love ya, Ben!

At 3 months old:

At two years old:

At three years old:

At four years old:
At five years old:
At six years old:
At seven years old:
At eight years old:

And today:

Five For Friday: My Obsession

2008-05-22T12:55:00.001-07:00

I know I am way behind the times here, but I have just discovered how easy digital scrapbooking is. And, now I have become totally obsessed. Wanna see? I knew you did:

1.
2.

3.
4.

5.

Musings

2008-05-22T12:49:00.000-07:00

Jessica: I didn't do it!

So, I'm not exactly sure what kind of person would scribble with pen all over a three year old's belly, but I'm on the look out!

A Little Someone is getting obsessed

2008-05-18T12:01:00.000-07:00

Jacky Boy has found a new obsession. He will spend all morning doing this, bless his little heart.

Which reminds me of another little blond boy in my life who used to do the same exact thing.
This is my little brother Joey when he was about the same age. Isn't he too cute???

Rain, rain, go away...

2008-05-16T17:39:00.000-07:00

So, what do you do on a day when you have to wear these?

I'll tell ya what you do...you load them up and go with your sister to the Children's Museum for the day with all the other Mommies who had the same exact idea. But, it'll be worth it...

Five For Friday

2008-05-16T15:01:00.001-07:00

Today let's take a look at a few of my favorite places to shop on the great WWW.

1. Old Navy: Super cute, always stuff on sale, clothes for the whole fam and best of all...the $5 shipping. Um, with gas prices the way they are and the fact that the cost in effort and labor for me to load up two toddlers into car seats and trudge through the mall is about $42.50---it's a bargain!

2. Giant Giraffe: While down visiting my sister, Tricia, I helped her with organizing all the fun baby gifts that had been sent her way. I came across the most darling, thick, quality burp clothes in the most adorable patterns ev-ah that someone had very generously sent to her. So, being a Mommy to five and always being on the look out for cute baby gifts, I checked out the tag and then found my way to their website. And, oh my! Very cute stuff. The greatest patterns and materials. Seriously. Go now and check it out.
**Have you seen the new Gwyneth video on CFhusband.com??? She is wrapped in her Giant Giraffe blanket. It's cute, isn't it?

3. Paper Trey Ink: Into crafting at all? Into supporting Moms who stay at home with their kids but get to do something they love, too? Nichole did just that when she created her own line of clear polymer stamps. She also sells the most beautiful ribbon, paper and inks in the most amazing colors and styles. Everything is top quality and packaged beautifully. I predict she will become the next Martha.

4. Title Nine: This clothing store for women rocks. I can't afford a single thing they sell, except maybe socks on a good week, but I love to browse. Once I bought something from their catalog and now I am forever on their mailing list. I get so excited when it comes. It's the perfect catalog for a grown up tomboy like me.

5. Half.com: I use this site all the time. It's an off shoot of eBay for used products, but you don't have to bid. I use it to buy cheap DVD's for the kids and books for my book club here in town.

So, there. I have now enabled you to go shopping! Have fun!

Toddler Logic

2008-05-15T05:20:00.000-07:00

Conversation in the minivan:

Jessica: I want a Happy Meal, Mom

Me: Nope. That is only for sometimes.

Jessica: Pleaassssssssssssssssse!!!

Me: Nope. That is only for sometimes.

Jessica: The weather man said today is Sometimes.

Happy Birthday...again.

2008-05-12T16:41:00.000-07:00

Even though Jessica's third birthday had long passed us by, we waited for Cousin Josh to catch up and then held the big family party. We had the perfect weather for some playing outside, grilling some yummy hotdogs and letting the kids run wild.

That Cousin "C"...what a slave driver!

After burning off SOME of the toddler energy, we moved the party inside for some yummy cupcakes and presents.
All in all, a great day with the fam! Thanks for coming everyone!

TAG! You're it!

2008-05-07T11:19:00.000-07:00

I've been 'tagged' by the famous BIL. So, here goes....

What was I doing ten years ago:
Funny enough...about the same thing I'm doing right now. My girls would have been 3 and 1 and I was pregnant with Ben. We were getting ready to move into the house we are in now and I think all the moving put me into early labor for which I am very thankful....the boy was three weeks early and weighed almost eight pounds for goodness sake!

Five things on my "to do" list:
Decide what on earth I am going to make for dinner.
Exercise somehow with four of my five kids before dinner.
Put away folded laundry...the very hardest part of laundry doing.
Write a note to my very special, very cool friend and put it in the mail.
Change approximately three more diapers before bedtime, barring any anomalies.

Things I would do if I were a billionaire:
Cure cancer.
And Cystic Fibrosis.

Three of my bad habits:
Not putting away folded laundry...see above.
Sarcasm....way too much sarcasm.
My minivan is atrociously messy. And I don't care.

Five places I have lived:
a city row house
a house
a dorm
an apartment
a house

Five jobs I have held:
Nanny
Worked on the boardwalk in Ocean City---the best!
Assistant Diving Coach at our summer pool (back in the day I could do a mean inward somi)
Lifeguard
Physical Education teacher

Special Moments

2008-05-07T06:00:00.000-07:00

As a Mom, you put in hundreds upon hundreds of hours training and teaching all kinds of life skills. It can be tiring, frustrating, time consuming and challenging. But, when they finally "get it", it makes it all worth while. For instance....when your three year old masters scissor skills and decides to shred every paper she gets her hands on. Very, very rewarding.

Moody Monday

2008-05-05T12:43:00.000-07:00

This is how Jessica and I feel about Mondays:

That's My Boy!

2008-05-01T13:28:00.001-07:00

So, Jacky Boy had his 18 month checkup. According to the chart, he's a bit over weight. I'm wondering if that has anything to do with his latest vocabulary word: "ice cream truck". Coincidence?

Five For Friday

2008-05-01T04:23:00.000-07:00

Murphy's Law Version:

1. If it's trash day, the trash men will wait patiently at the end of your street until you have both babies read to and tucked in for afternoon naps and then they will come barreling and crashing down your street.

2. No matter how much prep you do (ie. filling sippy cups, checking diapers, doling out snacks, getting toys out, putting in the favorite movie of the week, topping off sippy cups), as soon as you try to talk on the phone, someone will need something desperately.

3. Even if you keep your pajama shirt on until the very second that you plan to walk out the door, someone will still manage to smear you with snot, tears, fishy cracker crumbs or worse.

4. When you finally break down and vacuum, someone will proceed to dump out the fishy crackers so they can "swim in the ocean" or throw Rice Krispy confetti or dump sunflower seed kernels everywhere right after you do so.

5. Toddlers will spend an entire playdate fighting over one toy, pushing each other, having temper tantrums, making huge messes, being "HUNGRY!" ....right up until you are ready to go. Then they will all settle down quietly on the couch to read a book together while smiling and chatting. Every. Single. Time.

Jacky Boy

2008-04-30T15:54:00.001-07:00

Free Parenting Tip:

Unless you enjoy using all the fun attachments that your vacuum came with...I don't recommend leaving out a bag of sunflower seed kernels.

Home, sweet home.

2008-04-30T04:40:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I was able to fly down to Duke to see Tricia, Nate and Gwyneth. Wow! What a fun time I had. I arrived Friday late afternoon and we went right to the hospital to see Gwyneth. Oh my! She has gotten so big and plump. I was able to hold her for the first time and she snuggled right in. Saturday Tricia and I spent the day together getting her meds all organized and straightening up her apartment and just talking. It was so nice! First of all, I haven't heard her voice in four months, so that was amazing! Second, it was nice to just be in a living room and hang out without nurses coming and going. We even took a short trip to look at baby gear. Sunday we had more time together and then went one last time to see the Big G. Tricia fed her a bottle and she was a champ. Hard work being four pounds! Tricia is a total natural at being a Mommy...I think it may have something to do with the fact that she held, played with, babysat and changed diapers on all five of my kiddies from the time she was twelve years old. Here are some pictures from my visit....

Five for Friday

2008-04-25T11:12:00.001-07:00

Well, I know I have used this excuse before, but I am being honest with you. I am on my way to North Carolina this afternoon...so, no Five for Friday today. I will be flying to go see Tricia for the first time with her new lungs and OUT OF THE HOSPITAL for the first time in four months. WOW! God is good.

These Shoes are Made for Walkin'

2008-04-22T10:41:00.001-07:00

Jacky thought he was all hot stuff finding his sister's sparkly silver shoes. His father would KILL me for posting this...but I can't help myself.

Big and Little

2008-04-20T11:11:00.000-07:00

Here is my oldest with my youngest daughter after church today. They matched. I couldn't help myself. They are too cute! And....time flies! I'm too young to have a teenager!

Five for Friday

2008-04-15T16:04:00.000-07:00

First of all, I've noticed that my 'Five for Friday' has been slowly drifting into 'Five for Saturday'. Hmmm, that doesn't sound as good. So, I'm just going to pretend I posted this late Friday night...

What's on my mind...

1. I'm a little bit addicted to Ebay.

2. I would like to incorporate more orange into my life. It makes me happy. For instance, these....
But, NOT this...

3. I think if my 18 month old would spend less time making spitting noises, he may learn more than ten words.

4. It's been the best kind of day when you come home from the park and have to strip the babies to their onesies because they are so dirty.

5. I would like to be the one collecting royalties for these two invaluable products:

Overheard ...

2008-04-15T16:01:00.001-07:00

While changing an exceptionally full diaper of her brother's...

Jessica: You could die from that, you know.

Yes, Jessica. I know.

Shout out!

2008-04-15T10:39:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday to the baby of the family, Joe! I'm lame. The card isn't even in the mail yet!

When I was twelve years old, my parents were doing foster care and I loved every minute of it. I was all about babies and feeding them bottles and taking them for walks. In the late afternoon, a phone call came from Social Services that a newborn baby boy needed a home. My mom wasn't sure....kind of on the wire about it....until I came over---while she was on the phone---begging and waving and getting her attention with my obnoxious head nodding. She caved and said "Sure...". Little Joey was delivered to us. He had WHITE blonde hair and was so tiny. Oh, man! If only I had access to my mom's photos! I would post away, because this little baby was beyond cute. Love at first site for me.

My dad pulled in the driveway and made his way in the back door to find me holding our new little blonde baby. This was before the age of cell phones, so he had no idea what had transpired during the day and that his family had a new addition. But, if you know my dad, he is pretty laid back and LOVES babies, so, no big deal. Pull up another highchair to the kitchen table.

Two years later, I got to miss school and go to the courthouse to watch my brother get legally adopted into our crazy family. He went from adorable baby, to quirky toddler, to active boy and now is a wonderful husband.

Love ya, Joe! Hope you have a great day! Now, off to get that card in the mail....

Out takes

2008-04-12T11:43:00.000-07:00

So, maybe you breezed through my last post without realizing how much work it took to put that together. Painstaking! Wanna see why???
DISCLAIMER: Absolutely no babies were injured in the making of this blog post.

Five For Friday

2008-04-11T14:26:00.000-07:00

Pull out your Punnett Squares, people, we're gonna have some fun. Today's 'Five for Friday' is a fun little guessing game. Let's see how many people can rightly identify whose eyes are whose. My husband has the most beautiful light blue eyes and three of my five children got them.

My eyes are hazel like my Dad's and the other two got those.

Ready to play along??? There will even be a prize for the first non-family member to post the right eyes with the right child's name (zoom way down to post number one for names if you need them). And, no, you don't win the actual children. They're mine. All mine!

1.

2.

3.

4.
5.

Ta da!

2008-04-10T15:24:00.000-07:00

Ladies and gentlemen! My blog construction is complete! I am finally happy with it and will now leave it alone and go back to raising my children and making dinner and cleaning the house...well, let's not go CRAZY!

Boys and their food...

2008-04-09T18:01:00.001-07:00

Over the weekend, we babysat Cousin Josh for a bit and had some pizza fun. We were all sitting together enjoying our dinner... everyone else finished and wandered off. These two held strong through several more pieces. Apparently, they have a little bit more "Kirschner" to them a la Uncle Tom back in the day.